Custody extended for Danish gunman's suspected helpers

Copenhagen: Two men charged with helping the gunman behind the deadly twin attacks in Copenhagen have been detained for another month, police said on Thursday.

The two suspects, who appeared in court for the custody hearing, are accused of helping Omar El-Hussein get rid of weapons used in the shootings at a cultural centre and a synagogue earlier this month, and of giving him a hiding place.

The hearing took place amid high security and, despite the objections of defence lawyers, behind closed doors.

"The two charged in connection with the... weekend shooting attacks will continue to be remanded in custody for four weeks until March 26," Copenhagen police said in a statement.

"A request by the prosecution that the detention should take place in isolation was not granted," the statement added.

The two men, aged 19 and 22 but who cannot be named for legal reasons, have denied the charges.

El-Hussein was shot dead by police after his February 14-15 shooting spree that send fresh shockwaves across Europe after the Islamist attacks in Paris in January.

The gunman killed a Danish filmmaker outside a cultural centre hosting a debate on Islam and free speech before opening fire at a synagogue, killing a Jewish man.

El-Hussein had been released from prison two weeks before the attacks after serving a term for aggravated assault, raising fears he may have become radicalised behind bars.